With the increasing popularity of tattoos, the need to remove them has also grown. Though well done ones are a source of pride, shoddy tattoos or ones that bring back painful memories can turn into bad life companions. Since the tattoos are meant to be permanent, it is not at all easy to remove them; however, it is possible to do so if you have enough time, capacity and money. If you don't have the financial means to undergo a professional removal, fortunately there are less expensive alternatives. Read on to learn how to remove or cover the tattoo.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Hide the Tattoo
Step 1. Wear clothes that cover it
If possible, wear clothes that hide the design, such as long-sleeved shirts, jackets, and pants.
- If you are not yet ready (or cannot afford it) to move on to more expensive and permanent solutions, for example by permanently removing the tattoo with the laser or covering it with a new design (the so-called cover-up), then clothes are a temporary solution. relatively simple.
- You can also find flesh-colored bands to cover up the tattoos. They are available in different sizes, even to cover the entire arm, only the forearm or the upper part. There are also cuffs and anklets; you can buy all these headbands online.
Step 2. Try using make-up
Get a very covering foundation that is the same shade as the skin surrounding the tattoo.
- There are even specific products designed to cover tattoos, you can buy them online and in specialized stores.
- Even if it is not the ideal long-term solution, the use of a cosmetic product can help you hide the tattoo immediately.
Step 3. Undergo a cover-up procedure
This term indicates the execution of another tattoo over the old one, so as to cover and hide it. Obviously the new design must be larger than the previous one.
- Find a tattoo artist who specializes in cover-ups who can show you lots of photographs of his work, so you can evaluate the quality. You certainly don't want to find yourself, this time too, with a bad tattoo.
- You will need to choose a larger design than the old tattoo, sometimes much larger.
- He collaborates with the artist to develop a new design from the lines of the old tattoo. It is often very difficult to completely cover a tattoo, most of the time we try to integrate it with a new design to camouflage it.
- Most cover-ups are done in color to better hide the previous tattoo; tribal designs are an exception.
Method 2 of 2: Undergo Laser Removal
Step 1. Do some research on laser removal
It is a long and expensive procedure and there is no absolute guarantee that it will work.
The area of the body where the tattoo is located, the type of ink and the depth with which it has been injected under the skin determine whether or not the removal is successful
Step 2. Evaluate if you are a good candidate for this procedure
Laser removal isn't for everyone, so make sure you have a good chance of success before you try. Schedule a consultation with your doctor before you commit.
- If the tattoo has already been treated with other removal techniques, but the only thing you got are scars, then the laser will only produce other scars.
- If, on the other hand, the tattoo has been treated, but not much scar tissue has formed, then the skin may respond well to the procedure.
Step 3. Do some research and find a reputable dermatologist
Make sure that the person who will physically perform the procedure already has extensive experience with a minimal percentage of complications.
Ask your doctor or dermatologist to refer you to a doctor who specializes in tattoo removal who they trust and know the job
Step 4. Learn about the technology
Know what laser treatment you will be undergoing before committing to the procedure.
- The treatments use q-switching lasers to vaporize the ink, so that it is absorbed by the body's immune system. Once the ink has been broken up, it reaches the lymph nodes where it will remain.
- In general, 5-10 repeated treatments are required over several weeks to remove a tattoo. The costs are quite variable, but are around 200 euros per session. The national health service (which considers it a cosmetic surgery) does not cover the costs of this treatment, unless there is a valid medical reason.
Step 5. Understand the procedure
You have to understand not only what the technology behind the treatment is, but also how it is physically implemented, so you won't have unexpected surprises later on.
- Generally speaking, a laser removal session develops like this:
- You will be provided with a mask to protect your eyes and your doctor will give you a topical anesthetic or painkiller injection before you begin.
- The doctor will place a manually guided device on the skin to direct the laser at the tattoo. The pain you will feel with each laser pulse will be very similar to that produced by the blow of a rubber band or a splash of hot oil.
- Once the entire tattoo has been treated, the doctor will apply ice or a cold pack before dressing the area.
- You will likely be prescribed a topical ointment to spread on the site frequently.
Step 6. Be aware of the potential side effects
While this is generally safe, there are some risks including:
- Infection. If not treated carefully, the tattoo area could become infected.
- Scars. There is a small chance that a permanent scar will form at the end of the treatment.
- Hypo or hyperpigmentation. There is a risk that the treated area will become lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
